BREAKDOWN of Defensive Zone Coverage PART 1; Here is a look at how to defend vs an often seen Offensive Zone set up (sketched on other document);
D1 – stick on the ice in the passing lane between X1 and X3. If D2 gets beat, you may have to abandon and defend the puck carrier.
D2– angle the puck carrier towards the outside. Close the gap under control and expect a “cut back” move.
C– hang around the passing lane between X1 and X2. Help D2 when the puck carrier is tied up. Shut off passing lane from X1 to X2.
RW– stay close to SD as he could be an outlet for X1. Be sideways with your back to the middle of the ice. This will make it easiest for you to watch if he heads towards the slot.
LW– you are the “safety valve”. Your coverage (WD), is the least dangerous player in the scheme. You need to “sag” into the slot area (same posture as RW) and cover for D1 if he needs to vacate. Keep an eye on WD as he may sneak towards the back post.
KEYS; sideways posture, sticks on ice, expect “cut backs”. ______________________________________________________ PART 2; Here is an approach to get the puck out of the Defensive Zone (Break Out);
When the puck is won over by the defenders, passing up the SS boards (to RW) is the safest option. If the C is trapped low, the LW must “slash” across the ice as an outlet for a direct or indirect pass from RW (vice versa). C then fills vacant lane. If there is sufficient space, carrying the puck a bit will create time for team mates to get to areas and become outlets. Firing the puck around to the WS boards (LW side) is the most difficult option as the LW will often time lose the race against his coverage (WD).
KEYS;Anticipation = defenders recognizing that the puck is going to be turned over, therefore they must cheat towards positions where they are an outlet. Communication = let puck carrier know that you are open.
C – center LW – left wing RW – right wing SS – strong side, side of ice where the puck is. WS – weak side, opposite side of puck. SD - opponents strong side defenseman. WD – opponents weak side defenseman. X – opponents forwards.
